tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2013-03-21:/blog/726612019-01-21T19:00:34ZMovable Type Enterprisetag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2019:/blog//72661.35879712019-01-21T19:01:34Z2019-01-21T19:00:34Z
When you leave your driveway and head out onto the open road, you usually do not have to worry about encountering the police. If you do find yourself pulled over beside the road, however, how you act may affect your future. That is, you may need to assert your legal rights to protect your liberty.

Police officers want to search vehicles for a variety of reasons. Once you consent to a search, though, officers may use anything they find in your vehicle to allege you have committed a crime. As such, perhaps the best way to avoid criminal exposure is to refuse a search altogether. Before you do, though, you should understand the legal intricacies of motor vehicle searches.

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Your Fourth Amendment rights

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Before officers can legally look inside your vehicle, they must have probable cause. An easy way around this hurdle, though, is for officers to request your consent to search your vehicle. If you provide it, officers may go through your car and collect evidence to use against you.

Your option to refuse

Officers receive training on how to encourage criminal suspects to cooperate with investigations. Therefore, you likely must affirmatively refuse a search to keep officers out of your vehicle. Because interacting with investigators can be challenging, you may want to employ one of the following techniques:

Refuse to answer questions

Inform the officer of your unwillingness to consent

Ask if you are free to leave

Your other legal protections

As mentioned, officers must have either probable cause or your consent to search your vehicle. If officers notice evidence that you may have committed a crime, they can legally search your car without your consent. Further, officers may search your vehicle if they choose to impound it after arresting you. Either way, you should never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You should also not carry evidence of a crime with you when you drive.

Interacting with law enforcement officers can be both intimidating and stressful. Nonetheless, by exercising your legal right to refuse a search of your vehicle, you may boost your odds of avoiding criminal charges altogether.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2019:/blog//72661.35837382019-01-16T21:40:01Z2019-01-16T21:39:01Z
For Florida residents to avoid being pulled into money laundering schemes, they need to understand its concept. Money laundering activities are white collar crimes that involve moving criminally derived funds through financial institutions or other businesses to hide their origins. The people involved then reclaim the money, which is now clean because it has been laundered. These acts are criminalized to stop people profiting from them.

Money launderers typically receive a percentage of the proceeds of crime or another form of benefit for facilitating the services to launder the money. Authorities say financial institutions launder billions of criminally derived dollars every year. However, financial institutions are not the only way through which criminals can make funds appear legitimate.

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Money laundering is typically an extensive three-tier process that starts when the criminal places the "dirty" money into the financial system. The next step is known as layering, and it involves "washing" or laundering the money by moving it around to disguise its source and ownership. The final stage is integrating the clean property back into the economy, where it now appears legitimate.

Florida residents who are being investigated for being part of money laundering schemes might be wise to secure legal counsel even before an arrest takes place. To have a criminal defense attorney who has experience in dealing with white collar crimes in his or her corner can be invaluable for any defendant. Having someone to protect their legal rights and advocate for them can improve the chances of defendants to obtain the best possible outcome.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2019:/blog//72661.35789312019-01-11T19:21:37Z2019-01-11T19:20:37Z
There is a common misconception that when it comes to alcohol consumption, the only risk involves getting behind the steering wheel. Unfortunately, some Fort Myers area tourists and residents learn the hard way after receiving a disorderly intoxication charge. There are limits to what they can legally do, especially with the involvement of alcohol.

For someone to receive a disorderly conduct charge after consuming alcohol, she or he must show signs of impairment and act in a manner that endangers public and property safety or causes a disturbance. Even if slightly impaired, you could still end up in criminal court.

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What are the penalties for disorderly intoxication charge?

A disorderly impairment charge is a second-degree misdemeanor. In addition to facing up to 60 days in jail, there is a hefty fine. It is not uncommon for some alleged offenders to receive assault and battery criminal charges when their actions become violent and threatening to others.

What happens if there are previous charges?

A second-degree misdemeanor involving alcohol is no less severe than a DUI. The penalties of one disorderly intoxication charge may not be too severe. However, repeat charges can affect your reputation and credibility, your options for employment and housing, voting rights and more. Also, if there is an existing criminal record, the courts may use that to leverage additional criminal charges that could land you behind bars for years.

Many people take for granted the seriousness of disorderly charge until they become habitual offenders. If you face disorderly intoxication charges, you should take immediate action to improve your situation and possibly reduce the number of criminal charges pending against you. Though you may feel you have an accurate recollection of the events leading to your arrest, alcohol affects cognitive and motor skills. It is likely you may have threatened or harmed someone or something in the process.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2019:/blog//72661.35699892019-01-07T16:12:06Z2019-01-07T16:11:06Z
Being tricked into becoming a money launderer can happen to anyone in Florida. An unsuspicious person could agree to the tricks of scammers without realizing that they are committing white collar crimes. Money mules are typically conned into processing money that was illegally obtained through legitimate sources to prevent law enforcement linking it to crimes.

An example of using innocent citizens to launder money is an international drug ring that wants to move significant amounts of capital across borders without drawing attention. They target unsuspecting people via emails and trick them into allowing large sums of money to be paid into their personal bank accounts. They then ask that third party to pay it into one or more other accounts. The third parties are often promised a percentage of the money as a sign of gratitude for their assistance.

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Florida residents are advised to think twice before accepting job offers from individuals who want to use their bank accounts or ask them to register new companies into which funds will be transferred. Providing financial details to someone who is a stranger is not a good idea, especially if such a request comes via the internet. In many of these cases, the giveaway that should raise red flags is unsolicited emails and job offers that contain spelling and grammatical errors.

Unfortunately, innocent participants in white money laundering activities are often arrested and charged. The best thing to do at that time might be to secure the services of a Florida attorney who is experienced in advocating for those who are accused of committing white collar crimes. Cooperating with the FBI in such cases might be beneficial, but having legal counsel in their corners could improve the chances of receiving nothing more than a stern warning.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2019:/blog//72661.35642512019-01-02T23:11:35Z2019-01-02T23:10:35Z
When thinking of filing a personal injury case after a car crash, many people want to know what their case will be worth. Having an approximate idea of this figure can help in planning strategy, dealing with insurance companies and deciding whether to accept a settlement offer.

The following outline explains the general approach to calculating damages. An experienced attorney can give you a more detailed estimate based on the facts of your case. However, no one can ever guarantee a specific figure. In addition, an initial estimate can later change based on new facts that develop over the timeline of the case.

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Compensating for harm suffered

Most damages in accident cases fall into the category of compensatory damages. The law intends these damages to make the plaintiff whole, insofar as possible, from the harm the accident inflicted.

Costs and expenses

Compensatory damages include expenses one incurs as a result of the crash, as well as lost financial opportunities. Accident victims may have to pay for medical treatments, medications, assistive devices or long-term care. They may need to remodel their house to accommodate a disability or hire a caregiver.

Lost earnings

Injuries can also lead to limitations on the future ability to earn money. In addition to missing workdays, a plaintiff may find he or she can no longer perform some or all job functions. Injuries that limit the ability to work can curtail an otherwise promising career trajectory. Experts in this area can prepare detailed reports to support their projections of future lost earnings.

Non-monetary harm

The law also allows compensation for pain and suffering. These include physical pain and emotional harm. Serious injuries can lead to limitations not just on the ability to earn money, but also to participate in normal life activities. These limitations can also affect one's relationships with loved ones.

Punitive damages

In some cases, a Florida plaintiff may also request punitive damages. These are typically available only when the defendant's conduct rises to the level of malice or extreme indifference to the risk it poses.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2019:/blog//72661.35637462019-01-01T15:50:43Z2019-01-01T15:49:43Z
Despite the increased presence of law enforcement on the Florida highways during the holidays, lives continue to be lost in crashes that involve drunk drivers. A West Palm Beach resident was charged with DUI manslaughter while he was fighting for his life in a medical center. This followed a fatal crash on Christmas Day.

In an accident report, the Florida Highway Patrol indicates that the driver was heading north on Interstate 95 at approximately 3 p.m. on Christmas Day when he lost control of his SUV. The vehicle came to a halt after rolling over several times. It is unclear how many passengers were in the car, but officials reported that two passengers died at the crash scene.

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The driver suffered critical injuries, and he was rushed to a medical facility where he was charged at about 10 a.m. on the day following the deadly accident. The blood alcohol level of the driver was not disclosed, but he will be facing DUI vehicular homicide charges. Further charges include driving with a license that had been suspended and causing damage to property or a person.

Dealing with DUI manslaughter charges from a hospital bed will naturally be challenging, but securing the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney can be an invaluable asset. A lawyer can work to safeguard the defendant's legal rights at every stage of the criminal proceedings. The attorney can launch an independent investigation into the crash that claimed the lives of the two passengers in order to determine the best approach to the pending charges.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2018:/blog//72661.35580442018-12-26T15:56:04Z2018-12-24T16:28:38Z
When times are tough, some people in Florida and elsewhere might succumb to the temptation to take funds from their employers with the intention of putting it back when times improve. However, in some embezzlement cases, it is not so easy to explain the motivation. People in Florida might be interested in a case in which two nuns in another state face criminal charges for allegedly misappropriating funds of a Catholic school to finance their gambling habits.

Although initial reports indicated that the archdiocese did not plan to file criminal charges against the two Sisters, this decision was changed after a meeting with parents. This was when the school community learned that the two nuns allegedly embezzled approximately $500,000 and that the money was used for personal matters -- suspected to be gambling. Parents were outraged, and the archdiocese announced that it would seek restitution from the religious order to which the nuns belong and cooperate with the police department in the criminal investigation.

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A spokesperson said that financial records were examined after both the nuns retired in 2018. One of them was a school principal, and the other one was a vice principal. The religious order confirmed that they were advised about the intention of the archdiocese to file criminal charges, and they confirmed their willingness to cooperate.

The outcome of this case will become clear later, but people in Florida in similar circumstances might do well to remember that they will remain innocent in the eyes of the law until, and if, guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. When there are signs of an imminent investigation and allegations of embezzlement, it might be the best time to secure the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A lawyer can explain the legal options and then advocate for the defendant throughout legal proceedings in pursuit of the best possible outcome for the client.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2018:/blog//72661.35580502018-12-24T16:41:34Z2018-12-24T16:40:34Z
When driving down the road in Florida, a police officer needs reasonable suspicion of DUI or another breach of law to stop you. However, this is not the case when it comes to sobriety checkpoints, where officers can stop any driver and DUI charges may ensue.

Sobriety checkpoints are legal in Florida, as they are in most states. Drivers, therefore, have the obligation to stop and comply with instructions. Law enforcement officers who operate checkpoints also have to comply with certain legal requirements; if they fail to do so, a defense attorney can later challenge the stop and any evidence officers gather in its course.

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Your obligations at a checkpoint

If an officer pulls you over at a checkpoint, you have to stop and provide your license, registration and insurance documents. Because of Florida's implied consent law, you must also take a breath test if asked. Refusing can result in license suspension that can remain in place even if the original DUI charges are dismissed or you are found innocent. However, just as with a regular stop, you do not have to answer questions, agree to a field sobriety test or give consent to search your vehicle.

Drivers may also not purposely evade checkpoints. If officers see a driver turn around in front of a checkpoint, they often follow and pull that person over. Evading a checkpoint can give rise to additional charges.

Legal requirements for checkpoint operation

Officers operating checkpoints must follow guidelines to ensure they stop vehicles at random and not single out any specific type of driver or vehicle. For instance, they may stop every fourth vehicle. The guidelines must be in writing, and they must be in place before the checkpoint begins to operate. The authorities must also post the date and location of checkpoints in advance.

Fighting DUI charges

Many people become nervous when dealing with law enforcement. This often leads to drivers making mistakes, such as talking more than they should. In addition, even chemical tests can produce inaccurate results. It is always advisable to talk to an attorney about your case, as your situation may be better than you think.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2018:/blog//72661.35526882018-12-18T16:19:23Z2018-12-18T16:18:23Z
Three Florida residents were recently arrested at a house in Clearwater. Police officers say the arrests were made after they discovered a drug house run by the three individuals. The three are accused of multiple drug crimes after a search warrant was executed at the property.

According to authorities, the search yielded over 27 pounds of marijuana, said to be high-grade. Furthermore, they alleged that the suspects offered several marijuana-related products for sale from the house. The seized merchandise that was displayed in a showcase included oils, wax and edibles along with various blends of marijuana such as Cream Soda, Girl Scout Cookies, Train Wreck, Green Crack and Orange Cookies.

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Reportedly, detectives also found a variety of drug paraphernalia and three firearms. One individual, a 23-year-old, will face a charge of selling a controlled substance. Two others, both 24 years old, will face multiple charges, including controlled substance possession with intent to sell, selling and delivering of controlled substances and operating a drug house.

No details were made available of the methods detectives used to determine that the suspects actually sold and delivered illegal drugs. Anyone in Florida who is accused of drug crimes will likely retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Having a lawyer present during questioning can be invaluable. The attorney can also scrutinize all the procedures law enforcement used during the investigation and the execution of the search warrant, and irregularities can be handled in court. Legal counsel will work to secure the best possible outcome for the client.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2018:/blog//72661.35449072018-12-12T20:19:00Z2018-12-12T20:18:00Z
In Florida and across the country, it is unacceptable to drive while impaired. Those in certain professions -- teachers, for example -- may find that being accused of drunk driving may threaten their professional livelihoods. With so much on the line, a teacher facing such accusations should waste no time in securing legal counsel.

A middle school teacher in Polk County finds himself in such a situation after his recent arrest. According to the sheriff's office, a pickup truck operated by the 29-year-old was seen striking another vehicle. Reportedly, he was driving erratically at about 8 p.m. on a recent Tuesday. They say the driver attempted to flee the accident scene. The police report indicates that the driver raced away, but he lost control of his pickup truck.

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The truck crashed through a fence after striking a telephone pole. The vehicle came to a halt when it smashed into a water main. No injuries were reported, but law enforcement officials claim that a field sobriety test gave authorities reason to believe that the teacher was impaired. He was transported to the county jail, where two breath samples were tested -- both showing blood alcohol levels more than three times the .08 legal limit.

Although there can be no conviction on drunk driving charges unless and until prosecutors actually prove guilt in court and beyond a reasonable doubt, it makes good sense to secure the services of an experienced Florida criminal defense attorney. Having an attorney present during questioning is crucial. The lawyer can also scrutinize the police procedures to identify irregularities and address them in court.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2018:/blog//72661.35379072018-12-09T23:41:34Z2018-12-09T23:40:34Z
If you sustained injuries in a Florida car crash, pursuing a legal claim can help you receive the legal damages you are rightfully owed to cover financial and other losses.

Unfortunately, some errors can make it difficult, or even impossible, for you to succeed in your case. In addition to avoiding the following common pitfalls, consult an attorney for further input on the optimal strategic approach.

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1. Putting off filing

There are many reasons people delay filing a complaint in court. They may think they can sort matters out with the insurance companies on their own. In some cases, people do not realize the seriousness of their injuries until time has passed. Conditions such as traumatic brain injury can develop symptoms over time and worsen gradually.

According to Florida law, one has four years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury case. Missing this deadline can mean giving up the chance of obtaining legal compensation. Therefore, it is important to consult a lawyer and start your case soon after your accident.

2. Posting on social media

Most people today use social media to connect with others and talk about what goes on in their lives. It can be tempting to post about a traumatic event such as a car accident and share stories of your treatment and recovery. However, you should be aware that defense attorneys will likely comb your accounts for anything that could cast you in a negative light. A careless expression or an imprecise description can create a difficult impression. Even strong privacy settings may not always work to protect your social media from prying eyes. Your best option may be to avoid making even unrelated posts during this time.

3. Skipping treatment

Treating traumatic injuries after a car accident can often be a long and unpleasant process. You may need to take medicine that produces difficult side effects or attend regular and painful physical therapy sessions. When trying your best to keep up your daily life routine, complying with a treatment plan can be hard and disruptive. It is also essential both to your health and to your case. When a plaintiff neglects treatment, defense attorneys often argue he or she caused all or most of the injuries' effects.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2018:/blog//72661.35308042018-12-03T16:28:54Z2018-12-03T16:27:55Z
Sometimes, personal hardships move people to commit white-collar crimes that they would not even have considered if times were not so tough and their survival was not challenged. Such circumstances might have led to the insurance fraud committed by an elementary school principal in Florida. The chief financial officer of Florida says the man filed false claims with State Farm Insurance in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma that hit Florida in 2017.

According to court documents, the principal was entitled to file insurance claims for repairs to his home after the damaged caused by the hurricane. However, investigations show that he altered two of the invoices that he submitted with his claims and fabricated a third one. It is alleged that the man attempted to fraudulently obtain reimbursement to the value of $16,000 from the insurance provider without being able to substantiate his claims' legitimacy.

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The chief financial officer says the accused man was uncooperative at first but later admitted to investigators that he committed fraud. New reports indicate that the principal has been reassigned to off-campus duties by the school system of the county, pending the investigation's outcome. Authorities say a conviction could send the accused man to prison for five years.

Being accused of crimes like insurance fraud can have a devastating impact on a person's career and reputation, even before he or she has appeared in court. However, anyone in Florida who is accused of crimes will remain innocent in the eyes of the law until, and if, the prosecution can prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The best thing any accused individual can do is to retain the services of an experienced attorney as soon as possible to make sure his or her legal rights are not violated.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2018:/blog//72661.35185602018-11-27T16:24:13Z2018-11-27T16:23:13Z
When teenagers are arrested for crimes committed in Florida, they will likely consider their defense options to limit the damage convictions can do to their futures. In Florida, crimes committed by teens under the age of 19 are regarded as juvenile crimes. However, legal counsel is crucial, especially if the crimes include homicide.

Police in Coconut Creek recently arrested three teenagers -- ages 16, 17 and 18 -- after an investigation into the death of a 56-year-old man whose body was found in the parking lot of a 24-hour store on Oct. 12. A call from a concerned friend gave rise to the police investigation. The friend told police that the man had not returned after a late-night trip to the store, and upon investigation, police found the deceased man on the ground next to his car at about 3 a.m.

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According to a police report, surveillance footage showed the 17-year-old teenager attempting to rob the man before shooting him and fleeing the scene in a vehicle. They could also identify the 18-year-old driver and the 16-year-old passenger in the car. Weeks of investigations ultimately led to the arrests of the three juveniles, and they were all charged with murder.

Facing murder charges as a teenager does not necessarily mean the young men will be prosecuted as juveniles. Anyone facing juvenile crimes charges in Florida would be well advised to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can scrutinize the charges and the available evidence before devising a defense strategy that will benefit the defendant and lead to the best possible outcome.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2018:/blog//72661.35167772018-11-24T04:01:35Z2018-11-24T04:00:35Z
Florida drug charges can have some serious consequences, starting with criminal penalties and continuing with a record that can follow you and limit your opportunities. Some defendants facing allegations of drug crimes may have the option of going through drug court instead.

Many states, including Florida, have established treatment courts, as officials have come to recognize some types of offenders need therapeutic intervention rather than traditional imprisonment. Drug courts are geared toward those whose offense stems from addiction.

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Who can participate?

After the arrest, defendants go through an initial screening to determine whether they would be good candidates for drug court. Those who pass the screening can take further steps to continue the application process.

Generally, to qualify for drug court, one must suffer from substance addiction and be willing to comply with the program's requirements. Other relevant factors may include the number of previous offenses and whether any of them involved violence. Specific courts in your locations may have some additional rules and requirements.

How does the program work?

A drug court program typically lasts for at least one year, but can be longer. Each person gets a treatment plan based on his or her specific case. Substance abuse often arises in conjunction or as a result of poor mental or physical health; appropriate treatment of these issues can go hand-in-hand with treating addiction.

To stay in the program, one must fully comply with the treatment plan, including attending all appointments. As part of the program, participants also undergo frequent drug testing and must attend check-in sessions with the court.

What happens next?

Successfully completing the program typically results in dismissal of the original charges. Failing to comply can result in termination from the program and a return to the regular court system. Participants can also leave the program of their own accord; this will also lead to a return to the standard criminal process.

Is drug court a good idea for me?

Drug court can help some people avoid jail time and a burdensome record. However, such a program may not benefit everyone. Discussing options with your attorney can help you decide on the course of action that would work best for you.

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tag:www.goodpeopledogetarrested.com,2018:/blog//72661.35127392018-11-20T19:03:00Z2018-11-19T16:48:16Z
Law enforcement in Florida will be out in full force in the time leading up to the holidays. Now is the time of the year when there is no shortage of DUI traffic stops, and anyone who has a few alcoholic drinks before driving is at risk of being arrested for impaired driving. However, police officers cannot pull drivers over without probable cause, and avoiding questionable driving maneuvers, committing traffic violations or obvious defects on the vehicle might prevent an arrest.

Most items and situations are controllable, and the best option is to avoid drinking and driving. However, frequent checks to ensure headlights, brake lights, taillights and turn signals are in working order is a good idea, and so is making sure that license plates are readable and securely affixed. Body damage on a car, noisy exhaust pipes, dark tinted windows and expired license stickers are all invitations to be pulled over.

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Violations of traffic laws can also attract the attention of law enforcement, and the lack of signal use, speeding, rolling through or running red lights and stop signs are not recommended. However, being too compliant can also draw attention, such as driving below the posted speed limit, signaling long in advance or not taking a signaled turn might raise red flags. It might also help to keep in mind that police presence is almost guaranteed in areas where picnics, wedding receptions and other celebrations take place.

Drivers in Florida who fail to avoid being arrested and charged with DUI might be best advised to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney before answering any questions or allowing interviews. A lawyer can protect the defendant's legal rights throughout the proceedings. The attorney can scrutinize the charges and the evidence along with the presence of probable cause and the procedures used to determine BAC before devising a defense strategy to obtain the best possible outcome.